TACT Talk

Basket strainers are designed and constructed to strain particulates out of high-volume process streams or processes with heavy soil loads, helping manufacturers increase productivity and protect product integrity.

Reduce Downtime

“Basket strainers enable customers to strain out large amounts of particulates without frequent interruptions to runtime,” said Barrie. “The larger surface area of a basket strainer allows them to remain operational longer than smaller strainers before they become plugged and require cleaning.”

“Take meat processing, for example,” said Huebner. “That is a process with a heavy soil load. If a standard four-inch diameter strainer is used, it will plug up much faster than our eight-inch diameter basket strainers. If reducing downtime is important to a customer with this application—which it often is—we would recommend a basket strainer.”

According to Huebner, if you are looking to skip downtime all together, a dual basket strainer assembly may be the solution.

“As with our smaller in-line dual strainer assemblies, when one basket strainer becomes increasingly soiled, the process can be switched to the second basket strainer using the isolation valves between them,” he said.

Sanitary Process Design Expertise

Sani-Matic’s reputation as the experts in sanitary design sets them apart from industrial suppliers of basket strainers.

“All of our products are specifically designed for sanitary applications,” said Huebner. “Our manufacturing process, approval drawings for customer review and clamped connections ensure that our basket strainers will exceed sanitary expectations. Also, our basket strainers are 3-A certified when used with a perforated insert.”

In addition to sanitary design, Sani-Matic is known for its dedication to high quality. Each of the basket strainers manufactured is pressure tested to 100 psi using a hydrostatic water test for quality assurance.

Customized Solutions

Sani-Matic engineers are always available to help customers choose the right basket strainer. In one example, Huebner recalled a confectionary company that needed to strain particulates from their bulk glucose process.

“We analyzed key factors impacting the straining process including, flow rate, viscosity and particulate size,” he said. “In that case, due to the high flow and viscosity, it was best to use multiple strainers, so that the pressure drop through each strainer would stay within the acceptable limits of the process.”

Huebner noted many confectionary manufacturers seek jacketed strainers to keep products warm and liquified to help process flow. He added that Sani-Matic manufactures jacketed 4-inch diameter in-line and y-strainers, but does not manufacture jacketed basket strainers. Huebner explained when basket strainers are jacketed, the larger diameter classifies them as ASME pressure vessels, which Sani-Matic is currently not certified to manufacture.

Alternative Applications of Basket Strainers

Basket strainers are most known for removing particulates from processes, however, some food and beverage manufacturers also use them to infuse flavor into product.

“Coffee-infused beer for example,” said Huebner. “A brewery that wants to infuse their product with coffee flavor may do so by using a basket strainer. The strainer allows product to run past the flavor to permeate the product without allowing particulates through.”

All Things Considered

From flow rate and viscosity, pressure drops and particulate size, a lot needs to be considered before purchasing a basket strainer.

“We know how much our customers have to think about to make their processes run smoothly,” said Huebner. “That is why we like to work with them to understand their process challenges and find the best solutions.”